Discovery Seminars are courses designed to foster interaction between students and faculty, encouraging meaningful discussions in small groups. Students will have the chance to build relationships with faculty, gain insight into different academic fields, and delve into intriguing new subjects. Seminars showcase the diverse array of opportunities awaiting you at UCSB, spanning various majors and undergraduate research endeavors.
Faculty members interested in sharing their knowledge through a Discovery Seminar can find more information here.
Types of Discovery Seminars
Discovery Seminars for First-Year Students
INT 86AA-ZZ
Seminar subjects vary each quarter and draw on the research and teaching interests of faculty from across campus.
- One unit
- Lower-division
- Typically meets one hour each week
- Limited to 20 students, or 11 students if a field trip is involved
- Taught by one faculty member
Discovery Seminars for Transfer Students
INT 186AA-ZZ
Designed for transfer students, these seminars are led by faculty experts in the subjects they research and teach.
- One unit
- Upper-division
- Typically meets one hour each week
- Limited to 20 students, or 11 students if a field trip is involved
- Taught by one faculty member
Discovery+ Seminars
INT 87AA-ZZ & INT 187AA-ZZ
Discovery+ Seminars are co-taught by two faculty, exploring a theme or subject from multiple perspectives.
- Two units
- Lower-division & upper-division options
- Typically meet two hours each week
- Limited to 30 or 40 students
- Taught by two faculty members
Discover exciting new topics each quarter by exploring the lists here.
Seminar offerings change each quarter.
Information for Students
All first-year students regardless of their college or major are eligible to enroll in lower-division Discovery Seminars. Transfer students are eligible to enroll in upper-division Discovery Seminars.
Courses are taken for Pass/Not Passed credit so grades do not affect a student’s GPA.
Students are limited to taking three Discovery Seminars during their time at UCSB. Discovery Seminars offered by the Freshman Summer Start Program also apply to this maximum.
No seminars with the same suffix (AA-ZZ) may be repeated.
Courses are listed on GOLD each quarter. For detailed information, review the Discovery Seminar list for a specific quarter listed above.
Enrollment is completed using GOLD.
Students with transfer units or AP test credits may need an approval code to enroll. Contact Kate Von Der Lieth at kvonderlieth@ucsb.edu.
Discovery Seminars do not have finals assigned during Finals Week. Any final exam will be administered during the final class meeting for these seminars.
Faculty members,
Interested in sharing your knowledge and passion with students? Get more information about offering a Discovery Seminar!